Your daily dose of old world gangsters who were rubbed out doing what they loved most. Plus some other fun stuff.

Arrest of Francis 'Two Gun' Crowley

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Eighty-eight years ago today and doctor was in his lower Manhattan office doing what doctors back then did when a taxi pulled up outside. A couple of hard looking mugs got out and helped a third fella into his office. He was Louis Tobynan aka Tubby.

Tubby's hoodlum pals deposited him in the doctor's office and beat feet. The doctor, who worked on the right side of the law. Called the police and told them he was bringing a shooting victim to the hospital.

Tubby was still conscious when the detectives arrived at the hospital. As they approached him he said, "You guys get away from me. You ought to know that there isn't a chance of my telling you who did this. If you want to do anything for me, get me a good doctor."

Seeing that the victim wasn't gonna help the detective in charge produced a magic eightball from under his coat and asked, "What happened to Tubby?"then gave it a good shake. Emerging from the green liquid were the words "Gang Feud". It was good enough for the detectives so it is good enough for us.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Paul Saragusa was mixed up with some gangsters in Little Italy until he decided to double cross them. Paul, we are told, had ties to Frankie Uale and in 1926 he pulled his funny business and skedaddled to Norfolk, Virginia for safety after his ruse had been discovered.

Paul returned to town four years later on May 14. Four years wasn't long enough. While sitting in a restaurant on this date in 1930 Paul received a phone call. Could he meet someone at somebody on the corner? Sure.

When Paul arrived at the intersection a guy popped out of a doorway with a gun and opened fire. One bullet struck a youngster and a few went into Paul who ran for a gas station but fell down. His man down, the killer casually strolled up and pumped two more shots into Paul before making his getaway.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Ninety-eight years ago today David Minzer exited the Brooklyn side of the Manhattan bridge along with a rush hour crowd. As Minzer was walking three gunmen came running up. One of the men fired his gun into the air and ordered all the pedestrians to get back. the plaza was cleared except for Minzer who took the next shot in his heart. With their man down the three gunmen pulled their hats over their eyes and began firing over the crowds head to clear a path. The escaped the bridge plaza but fourteen cops were hot their tracks and after a chase of many blocks Salvatore Anderelli, Charles Friedman and Frank McQualey were arrested.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Was May 3, back in 1903 when William "Billy Argument" McMahon (gee wonder what kind of disposition he had) and some of his Cherry Hill mob came up on one Patrick "Paddy the Snake" Shea (I'm sure they meant snake in a good way) said to be a Monk Eastman man. Anyways Mr. Argument and his cronies gave the Snake a sound thrashing. Such was the beating that Paddy was taken to the hospital.

While recuperating the police arrived and questioned Paddy about the attack. They should have saved their breath. "I ain't no squealer, not me." Paddy told them, adding, "When I get out of the hospital I will attend to this matter myself and maybe I won't do a little shooting."

Two days later the snake was out and staking out Billy Argument's apartment. When Billy came out Paddy walked up behind him and "blew the top of his head off."

After the round of six shooting the Snake fled to Philadelphia where he was captured in July. On the stand he plead self defense claiming the Billy Argument would have killed him first.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Danny Serratelli was 39 year underworld character who was sent to Sing Sing on a three year rap back in 1921. What he did afterwards and who he crossed is unknown. What is known is that on this date in 1925 a citizen on the outskirts of New York City's Little Italy was fetching something from his cellar and he stumbled on Danny's body. Danny had been shot once in the chest and once was enough.

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About Me

Author of: On The Spot: Gangland Murders in Prohibition New York City 1930-1933, Hollywood on the Spot: Crimes Against the Early Movie Stars, Legs Diamond: Gangster. Gangster City: The History of the New York Underworld 1900-1935. Notorious New Yorkers: Two Gun Crowley. Notorious New Yorkers: The Bobbed Haired Bandit. Notorious New Yorkers: Vivian Gordon.